Who stole Nemo?

BACKGROUND AND OVERVIEW

Motion pictures have the ability to reach wide audiences and affect the perceptions and behaviors of the general public. Unfortunately, depictions of the dentist throughout cinematic history often have resulted in negative images and stereotypes. The authors set out to determine whether the motion picture industry's portrayal of dentists and the dental profession has changed in the past 100 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Dentists often still are portrayed in the movies in a comedic role or as incompetent, sadistic, immoral, disturbed or corrupt. The only significant changes in recent years have been the inclusion of historically underrepresented groups, such as African-Americans and women, cast in the role of dentist.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

While many hold dentists and the dental profession in high regard, millions of Americans still avoid dental care because of fear and anxiety. The challenge of countering negative stereotypes of the dental profession as it often is portrayed in the cinema is problematic and has yet to be addressed adequately.